While the organizing committee for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games faces a rocky start due to issues regarding athlete accommodations, transportation, and the controversial appearance of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, reports indicate that excitement remains muted in the host city of Nagoya just one day ahead of the opening ceremony.

Discontent among athletes has persisted as problems surfaced regarding beds with a base length of 195 centimeters, cramped shower spaces, and leaking washbasins.

Transportation mix-ups also continued, causing South Korea's under-23 (U-23) men's football national team to experience delayed vehicles and wrong destinations.

On September 15, a controversy erupted at a cruise athletes' village commemorative event when armed performers dressed as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who instigated the Japanese invasions of Korea, appeared.

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee expressed regret to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the organizing committee and demanded prevention measures, while the organizing committee explained that there was no intention to convey a historical message.

Amid ongoing noise surrounding tournament operations, the local enthusiasm has failed to heat up.

In particular, ticket sales for some events have been sluggish.

Kyodo News, citing data compiled by the organizing committee as of September 7, reported that out of 41 ticketed sports, 10 events—including football, baseball/softball, hockey, and cricket—recorded sales rates of under 60 percent.

On the morning of September 18, the eve of the opening, Meitetsu Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture, a gateway to Nagoya, was calm in atmosphere.

Inside the station, where average daily foot traffic approaches hundreds of thousands of people, Asian Games banners featuring the tournament's emblem and mascot were hung throughout, and a promotional booth was set up.

However, it was difficult to find an excited atmosphere ahead of the opening of a major international multi-sport event among the passing citizens.

The size of the crowds was not significantly different from usual.

While travelers pulling suitcases or people moving in family units were occasionally noticeable, many were domestic Japanese travelers who visited Nagoya for the five-day consecutive holiday starting September 19.

Kanda Yushi (53, male), a resident of Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, said, "Today's crowd is at a usual level," adding, "It is hard to say that people have increased due to the Asian Games."

He also added, "Prices have risen a lot these days, so people do not have money to spend," and "It seems like there aren't many people going on trips or going out."

Watanabe Satsuki (21, male), who visited Nagoya City from Tokyo the previous day to participate in a corporate internship, was unaware of the Asian Games opening date.

He said, "I didn't know the Asian Games were opening tomorrow," and "Since I came to Nagoya for an internship, I don't think I will go to watch the matches."

(Photo: Yonhap News)